Oyo Government Backs Fire Victims, Promises Alternative Shops at BIIBCO

The Oyo State Government has pledged support for traders hit by a fire at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex (BIIBCO) in New Gbagi, Ibadan. The Thursday fire affected eight shops. Meanwhile, the government continues to clear illegal structures and restore the complex’s original master plan.

Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, led engagements on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026. Permanent Secretary Olajide Mamud Okesade joined him. Together, they met affected traders, market leaders, and complex management.

Professor Adelabu thanked God that nobody died. He also commiserated with the traders over their losses. Furthermore, he commended the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, ministry officials, market leaders, and complex management for their efforts during the emergency. He briefed Governor Seyi Makinde and the Deputy Governor on the incident. In addition, he wrote to the State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency to seek possible interventions.

The ministry is also exploring state and federal assistance. It is engaging the relevant insurance company on behalf of the traders. Moreover, it asked affected owners to submit their profiles and inventories of lost goods. Next, the government plans a panel of inquiry to investigate this fire and earlier outbreaks. The State Emergency Management Agency will also inspect the affected shops.

According to the commissioner, illegal structures, shop extensions, and shanties blocked access routes. As a result, fire trucks struggled to reach some shops despite a prompt alert. He stressed that the government would not tolerate unauthorised structures that compromise safety. He also raised concerns about allottees who rent spaces to several traders without government approval. Using a shop as a warehouse, he noted, does not justify unauthorised multiple occupancy.

Professor Adelabu has submitted proposals to the Governor for approval. They include removing illegal structures, shop extensions, and shanties. Solar-system traders must provide fire extinguishers within seven days, and other occupants within 21 days. Additionally, the proposals suggest sanctions, including closure, for non-compliance. They also encourage traders to insure their goods.

On Saturday, the commissioner met traders whose shops fell during the removal exercise. He explained that planners designed the complex over four decades ago under an approved master plan. Therefore, structures on waterways, access roads, and rights-of-way must go. He described the exercise as “a necessary corrective measure rather than an act of wickedness.”

He also clarified that the exercise does not target the shops in a video circulating on social media. Instead, it forms part of a comprehensive restructuring across the complex. Likewise, he dismissed allegations of looting, since the ministry holds records of the affected shops and their occupants. He directed traders to submit valid allocation documents for verification. Genuine cases may then receive alternative shops at appropriate locations that do not block roads or waterways.

Mr Okesade said the government remains mindful of the traders’ economic circumstances. However, it cannot allow unauthorised structures to block movement or compromise safety. He cited the ongoing clearance of the major road from Mukaila Adebayo Mosque towards the Inuike section. He expects the exercise to “create a more orderly commercial environment” in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, affected traders appealed for support. They explained that the demolition disrupted their businesses and livelihoods. Babaloja-General Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo said goods worth billions of naira were reportedly lost. He appealed for succour and urged sustained measures against recurring fires. Similarly, Babaloja Alhaji Adebayo thanked Governor Makinde and the ministry, and he backed the reforms.

In conclusion, the government says the measures will safeguard lives and investments, improve emergency access, and restore the master plan. Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade signed the statement on November 2, 2026.